Netanyahu Warns of Long and Difficult War Ahead as Israeli Ground Troops Enter Gaza

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the nation Saturday of a long and difficult war ahead, as ground troops entered Gaza in a dramatic expansion of fighting.

In a televised address, Netanyahu said the conflict had entered its “second stage” and compared it to the country’s “second independence war” from the 1940s. The war began on October 7th when Hamas attacked Israel, leaving 1,400 dead and 200 kidnapped.

In response, Israel launched a sustained bombardment of the Gaza Strip and threatened a ground invasion to vanquish the militant group that governs the Palestinian territory. Some troops on the ground told NBC News that they are prepared for a fight that could last “months.”

Netanyahu said his goal remains to bring the 229 hostages taken during the October 7th attack home and defeat Hamas. However, the fate of the hostages, Israelis and foreign nationals being held by Hamas in Gaza, as well as international pressure over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, have complicated Israel’s military response.

The Prime Minister urged the nation to remain strong and united during this difficult time. He said that the country must remain focused on the goal of defeating Hamas and bringing the hostages home.